I am artist, hear me create

I retired just over a year ago from my 27+ years at my "money" job.  The first six months, I was so busy with just living that I didn't think about it; I just chugged along, just like when I work.  The next 6 months I started to get into the idea that my time was, for virtually the first time in my life, actually my own.  That I get to decide what the rest of my life looks like is an amazing gift to myself.  Somewhere in there, I decided I wasn't retired, as now I am an artist full-time.  I cannot tell you how freeing this feels.  

I've wished over the years that I could do my art jewelry as my "job" and now I can.

With the way the world is right now, I'm struggling to stay focused on art.  I still have a house to clean, people to cook for, bills to pay, errands to run.  You know, the daily grind which can suck all your time.  So Ive started to have dedicated studio hours where i put the business first, and the grind second, instead of the other way around.  

My studio hours are 9 to 2pm on the days I don't visit my Mom or have something else happening, and I really like it.  It helps me focus on my art, and get the business side done, like writing this blog and updating my website.  While i'm in my studio hours I try not to look at my phone much, cause that's the greatest time suck known to humankind.   I'm also working on sorting piles of costume jewelry looking for materials, and this week I'm pairing up watch parts for earrings.  Not only can I get more things done having semi-standard hours, but I'm spending more time in the studio on my "non" business hours as well.   

First time in my life I feel like an professional artist all the way to my toes.  

It's keeping me more centered and calm, and like they say, "art is cheaper than therapy and prettier"